When it comes to keeping our skin healthy, there’s a lot of information we have to sift through to find the right fit for our specific skin type. One of the questions we often receive from users of Immunocologie is what is the difference between skin hydration and skin moisturization and how do I know when my skin is need of either? We reached out to esthetician and co-founder of New York based health and wellness boutique Smith and Brit Kristyn Smith to get her take on skin hydration versus moisturization and how to make sure you’re giving your skin what it needs, when it needs it.

What is the difference between skin hydration and moisturization?

On the whole de-hydrated skin refers to a lack of water (so it needs to be hydrated) while dry skin refers to a lack of oil (so it needs to be moisturized). It is important to distinguish between these two skin conditions, as they each require different types of treatment.

Both are necessary and important. While hydration is key because it is largely makes our skin soft and supple, it can’t stay that way if there is no oil protecting that hydration from evaporating and abandoning the skin – this would leave it dry and flaky. Conversely, to put oil on top of dehydrated skin may smooth it initially, but it will still lack the hydration that makes it feel soft and elastic. Dehydrated skin that is moisturized without receiving the amount of hydration will still look dull and feel uncomfortably tight. Dry skin that is hydrated but not moisturized will still flake and have a rough texture. Basically, hydration refers to what is below the surface, and moisturization is referring to what is “locking in” that moisture on the actual skin surface. Both are important to maintain.

When it comes to keeping our skin healthy, there’s a lot of information we have to sift through to find the right fit for our specific skin type. One of the questions we often receive from users of Immunocologie is what is the difference between skin hydration and skin moisturization and how do I know when my skin is need of either? We reached out to esthetician and co-founder of New York based health and wellness boutique Smith and Brit Kristyn Smith to get her take on skin hydration versus moisturization and how to make sure you’re giving your skin what it needs, when it needs it.

What is the difference between skin hydration and moisturization?

On the whole de-hydrated skin refers to a lack of water (so it needs to be hydrated) while dry skin refers to a lack of oil (so it needs to be moisturized). It is important to distinguish between these two skin conditions, as they each require different types of treatment.

Both are necessary and important. While hydration is key because it is largely makes our skin soft and supple, it can’t stay that way if there is no oil protecting that hydration from evaporating and abandoning the skin – this would leave it dry and flaky. Conversely, to put oil on top of dehydrated skin may smooth it initially, but it will still lack the hydration that makes it feel soft and elastic. Dehydrated skin that is moisturized without receiving the amount of hydration will still look dull and feel uncomfortably tight. Dry skin that is hydrated but not moisturized will still flake and have a rough texture. Basically, hydration refers to what is below the surface, and moisturization is referring to what is “locking in” that moisture on the actual skin surface. Both are important to maintain.